Soon after the fall of Fort Sumter, the Navy Department realized that the fleet's rapid wartime expansion would require thousands of sailors, and it sent navy recruiters out to recruiting stations, ...
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Soon after the fall of Fort Sumter, the Navy Department realized that the fleet's rapid wartime expansion would require thousands of sailors, and it sent navy recruiters out to recruiting stations, called rendezvous, in large eastern cities and small coastal and river towns to lure men into the service. Only about 300 African American men reported to these stations, and by the end of 1861 they accounted for only about six percent of Union Navy crews. These numbers soon grew, however. According to Howard University's Black Sailors Project, 18,000 African American men (and 11 women) served in the Union Navy over the course of the Civil War. African American sailors constituted about 20 percent of the enlisted force, nearly double the proportion of black soldiers who served in the Union Army during the war. The largest number of black men joining the Union Navy listed their place of origin as either Maryland or Virginia.Less

Contraband Sailors

Barbara Brooks Tomblin

Published in print: 2009-08-27

Soon after the fall of Fort Sumter, the Navy Department realized that the fleet's rapid wartime expansion would require thousands of sailors, and it sent navy recruiters out to recruiting stations, called rendezvous, in large eastern cities and small coastal and river towns to lure men into the service. Only about 300 African American men reported to these stations, and by the end of 1861 they accounted for only about six percent of Union Navy crews. These numbers soon grew, however. According to Howard University's Black Sailors Project, 18,000 African American men (and 11 women) served in the Union Navy over the course of the Civil War. African American sailors constituted about 20 percent of the enlisted force, nearly double the proportion of black soldiers who served in the Union Army during the war. The largest number of black men joining the Union Navy listed their place of origin as either Maryland or Virginia.

This essay argues that the long-acknowledged first example of U.S. blackface minstrelsy, a song entitled “Backside Albany” or “The Siege of Plattsburgh,” was crucially shaped by its war of 1812 ...
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This essay argues that the long-acknowledged first example of U.S. blackface minstrelsy, a song entitled “Backside Albany” or “The Siege of Plattsburgh,” was crucially shaped by its war of 1812 origins. By extension, the essay also argues that blackface minstrelsy can then be understood as one of the effects of the War of 1812. The song, “sung in the character of a black sailor” in Albany and New York in 1814 and 1815, responds to the importance of black sailors and African Americans more generally in the war and in contemporary politics. It tries to contain black assertiveness, but in doing so affirms the centrality of African Americans and their struggles in that moment. I argue that the racializing and demeaning work of blackface minstrelsy must thus be seen as a response to free black politics and to antislavery, and earlier than scholars have contendedLess

David Waldstreicher

Published in print: 2017-09-25

This essay argues that the long-acknowledged first example of U.S. blackface minstrelsy, a song entitled “Backside Albany” or “The Siege of Plattsburgh,” was crucially shaped by its war of 1812 origins. By extension, the essay also argues that blackface minstrelsy can then be understood as one of the effects of the War of 1812. The song, “sung in the character of a black sailor” in Albany and New York in 1814 and 1815, responds to the importance of black sailors and African Americans more generally in the war and in contemporary politics. It tries to contain black assertiveness, but in doing so affirms the centrality of African Americans and their struggles in that moment. I argue that the racializing and demeaning work of blackface minstrelsy must thus be seen as a response to free black politics and to antislavery, and earlier than scholars have contended

This chapter talks about the Black Loyalists. The increase in the employment of black sailors meant that those surviving the validities of the voyage would often set down in Britain's ports. Black ...
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This chapter talks about the Black Loyalists. The increase in the employment of black sailors meant that those surviving the validities of the voyage would often set down in Britain's ports. Black mariners residing in England after 1772 gained from the case of James Somerset who was a fugitive black slave. After the Somerset decision, seamen of African descent benefitted in serving in the Royal Navy since they were frequently viewed as ‘prize negroes’. Fugitive African American mariners in England recieved small compensation from the Loyalist Claims Commission. The chapter looks at the growth of sailortown districts in Britain's major ports. Any toleration of minority seafarers was established on the perception of their transience. This toleration came about under pressure when seamen of African descent or from any of those ‘darker races’ strove to become part of a new maritime working class.Less

Blighty

Published in print: 2012-06-01

This chapter talks about the Black Loyalists. The increase in the employment of black sailors meant that those surviving the validities of the voyage would often set down in Britain's ports. Black mariners residing in England after 1772 gained from the case of James Somerset who was a fugitive black slave. After the Somerset decision, seamen of African descent benefitted in serving in the Royal Navy since they were frequently viewed as ‘prize negroes’. Fugitive African American mariners in England recieved small compensation from the Loyalist Claims Commission. The chapter looks at the growth of sailortown districts in Britain's major ports. Any toleration of minority seafarers was established on the perception of their transience. This toleration came about under pressure when seamen of African descent or from any of those ‘darker races’ strove to become part of a new maritime working class.

This chapter examines the role of British tar. It also considers the black seafarers in the Royal Navy during the eighteenth- and nineteenth-centuries. Black sailors continued to be enrolled into the ...
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This chapter examines the role of British tar. It also considers the black seafarers in the Royal Navy during the eighteenth- and nineteenth-centuries. Black sailors continued to be enrolled into the Royal Navy during time of need and sometimes in unconventional circumstances. The work of crimps was equally as repulsive as that of the impressments agencies and lasted far longer. The crimps could replace crewmen. There were also some women who would have willingly taken the place of black sailors. Many of the hazards that sailors dealt with made no distinction of race, and chief among these was one that threatened life and limb directly — war.Less

A Tar's Life

Published in print: 2012-06-01

This chapter examines the role of British tar. It also considers the black seafarers in the Royal Navy during the eighteenth- and nineteenth-centuries. Black sailors continued to be enrolled into the Royal Navy during time of need and sometimes in unconventional circumstances. The work of crimps was equally as repulsive as that of the impressments agencies and lasted far longer. The crimps could replace crewmen. There were also some women who would have willingly taken the place of black sailors. Many of the hazards that sailors dealt with made no distinction of race, and chief among these was one that threatened life and limb directly — war.

This chapter describes the British slave trade. The slave trade directly or indirectly led to the initial interaction between Africans and the British Navy. The trade was a ready source of future ...
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This chapter describes the British slave trade. The slave trade directly or indirectly led to the initial interaction between Africans and the British Navy. The trade was a ready source of future black sailors, both free and un-free. In the years of the British slave trade, many other un-free black sailors would serve Britain in their master's name. Enslaved seafarers of African descent would take up many roles and become known as a valuable asset to Britain's navy. There was no shortage of black seamen ready to provide their services to ships' captains whenever needed. There was a demand for able-bodied seamen throughout the entire period of the British slave trade. Against the backdrop of the slave trade, the British Empire was growing into the greatest melange of different cultures, races and languages since the Roman era.Less

Worlds Collide

Published in print: 2012-06-01

This chapter describes the British slave trade. The slave trade directly or indirectly led to the initial interaction between Africans and the British Navy. The trade was a ready source of future black sailors, both free and un-free. In the years of the British slave trade, many other un-free black sailors would serve Britain in their master's name. Enslaved seafarers of African descent would take up many roles and become known as a valuable asset to Britain's navy. There was no shortage of black seamen ready to provide their services to ships' captains whenever needed. There was a demand for able-bodied seamen throughout the entire period of the British slave trade. Against the backdrop of the slave trade, the British Empire was growing into the greatest melange of different cultures, races and languages since the Roman era.

This chapter explores the journey of black seamen to England. The seamen of the African Diaspora experienced risks at sea beyond those of weather conditions and enemy. Free black sailors faced as ...
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This chapter explores the journey of black seamen to England. The seamen of the African Diaspora experienced risks at sea beyond those of weather conditions and enemy. Free black sailors faced as much danger of being sold into slavery as the unfortunate children of African kings. The practice of kidnapping the traders who were considering the slaves was slightly inexpedient. Olaudah Equiano was an Igbo of south-west Nigeria and served as an enslaved seaman in the earlier part of his life. Adam Jema was curious even for the slave trade era. Black sailors determined important friends and allies to help them in their hour of need.Less

Destination Uncertain

Published in print: 2012-06-01

This chapter explores the journey of black seamen to England. The seamen of the African Diaspora experienced risks at sea beyond those of weather conditions and enemy. Free black sailors faced as much danger of being sold into slavery as the unfortunate children of African kings. The practice of kidnapping the traders who were considering the slaves was slightly inexpedient. Olaudah Equiano was an Igbo of south-west Nigeria and served as an enslaved seaman in the earlier part of his life. Adam Jema was curious even for the slave trade era. Black sailors determined important friends and allies to help them in their hour of need.

This chapter looks at the lives of the black sailors during the Second World War. During the war, press reports favoured black seamen. Examples of personal bravery exhibited by individual black ...
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This chapter looks at the lives of the black sailors during the Second World War. During the war, press reports favoured black seamen. Examples of personal bravery exhibited by individual black seamen are then reviewed. It is shown that the black community in Liverpool suffered in the Second World War. Frequently, heroism by seafarers of African descent was conducted in an anonymous and individual capacity. In 1946, an all-black crew protested on SS Princesa in reponse to appalling conditions. Their case was supported by the National Union of Seamen. Moreover, racial discrimination was prominent during the Second World War. The contribution of seamen of African descent to Pan-African feeling would result in the independence of the British colonies.Less

The Second World War

Published in print: 2012-06-01

This chapter looks at the lives of the black sailors during the Second World War. During the war, press reports favoured black seamen. Examples of personal bravery exhibited by individual black seamen are then reviewed. It is shown that the black community in Liverpool suffered in the Second World War. Frequently, heroism by seafarers of African descent was conducted in an anonymous and individual capacity. In 1946, an all-black crew protested on SS Princesa in reponse to appalling conditions. Their case was supported by the National Union of Seamen. Moreover, racial discrimination was prominent during the Second World War. The contribution of seamen of African descent to Pan-African feeling would result in the independence of the British colonies.

In times of war, physical space may appear to shed its customary character of permanence and become pliable. Places that in times of peace signify safety and security might during war become scenes ...
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In times of war, physical space may appear to shed its customary character of permanence and become pliable. Places that in times of peace signify safety and security might during war become scenes of danger, even death. Federal emancipation policy accentuated this tendency, as civilians and soldiers alike employed space to new ends, often polar opposites of its earlier uses. When freedom-seeking refugees gained the protection of the U.S. Army, they benefited from a cordon of safety that transcended the fixed space of military camps to encompass armies on the move as well as at rest. The winds of change swept through plantation big-houses, fields, and workshops, where enslaved women and men moved more slowly and spoke less respectfully than usual. The bodies of water that lapped on the shores and cut through the interior of the Confederacy proved especially amenable to loosening the bonds of slavery. Nonetheless, black sailors in the U.S. Navy discovered that constraints as well as opportunities accompanied this particular route to freedom.Less

Tremors and Whirlpools

Joseph P. Reidy

Published in print: 2019-03-18

In times of war, physical space may appear to shed its customary character of permanence and become pliable. Places that in times of peace signify safety and security might during war become scenes of danger, even death. Federal emancipation policy accentuated this tendency, as civilians and soldiers alike employed space to new ends, often polar opposites of its earlier uses. When freedom-seeking refugees gained the protection of the U.S. Army, they benefited from a cordon of safety that transcended the fixed space of military camps to encompass armies on the move as well as at rest. The winds of change swept through plantation big-houses, fields, and workshops, where enslaved women and men moved more slowly and spoke less respectfully than usual. The bodies of water that lapped on the shores and cut through the interior of the Confederacy proved especially amenable to loosening the bonds of slavery. Nonetheless, black sailors in the U.S. Navy discovered that constraints as well as opportunities accompanied this particular route to freedom.

This chapter investigates the conflicts of Britain's warships with other European powers. Britain's navy had played a critical role in defending its interests abroad from the War of the Spanish ...
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This chapter investigates the conflicts of Britain's warships with other European powers. Britain's navy had played a critical role in defending its interests abroad from the War of the Spanish Succession up to the Napoleonic Wars. The chapter gives some examples of black seamen at battle. The Battle of Trafalgar was one of the most significant naval victories for Britain. This would identify the command of the oceans for decades. It is shown that the seafarer of African descent became increasingly normalised and gained a status of almost fully fledged professional.Less

War Under Sail

Published in print: 2012-06-01

This chapter investigates the conflicts of Britain's warships with other European powers. Britain's navy had played a critical role in defending its interests abroad from the War of the Spanish Succession up to the Napoleonic Wars. The chapter gives some examples of black seamen at battle. The Battle of Trafalgar was one of the most significant naval victories for Britain. This would identify the command of the oceans for decades. It is shown that the seafarer of African descent became increasingly normalised and gained a status of almost fully fledged professional.

This chapter is concerned with the question of crew division. In particular, the significance of rank is covered. The rank of post captain was an obsolete alternative form of captain in the Royal ...
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This chapter is concerned with the question of crew division. In particular, the significance of rank is covered. The rank of post captain was an obsolete alternative form of captain in the Royal Navy. For black sailors, their employment on sailing ships was generally of the lowest in the pecking order: servants, stewards, cooks and cabin boys. Nevertheless, examples are given of John Perkins and Jacob Christian, who attained recognition and rank in the late eighteenth century. In general, seafarers were bonded as members of the united group of the sea.Less

A Question of Rank

Published in print: 2012-06-01

This chapter is concerned with the question of crew division. In particular, the significance of rank is covered. The rank of post captain was an obsolete alternative form of captain in the Royal Navy. For black sailors, their employment on sailing ships was generally of the lowest in the pecking order: servants, stewards, cooks and cabin boys. Nevertheless, examples are given of John Perkins and Jacob Christian, who attained recognition and rank in the late eighteenth century. In general, seafarers were bonded as members of the united group of the sea.

This chapter reviews the use of steam power at sea. The engine had recently been utilised as supplementary to sails. The start of steam-driven vessels had significant implications for seafarers of ...
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This chapter reviews the use of steam power at sea. The engine had recently been utilised as supplementary to sails. The start of steam-driven vessels had significant implications for seafarers of African descent. William Hall was one of the most highly decorated black sailors and was a Victoria Cross winner. He was one of the first to get the new medal for gallantry. The Zulu War of 1879 gives an example of recruitment from a non-traditional naval source. Tramp ships symbolised the best opportunities for Afro-Caribbean and other black seamen. Furthermore, it is noted that after this time the sailing ship was to be consigned to nostalgia, the craft of sailing limited to tourist attractions and small private vessels.Less

From Sail to Steam

Published in print: 2012-06-01

This chapter reviews the use of steam power at sea. The engine had recently been utilised as supplementary to sails. The start of steam-driven vessels had significant implications for seafarers of African descent. William Hall was one of the most highly decorated black sailors and was a Victoria Cross winner. He was one of the first to get the new medal for gallantry. The Zulu War of 1879 gives an example of recruitment from a non-traditional naval source. Tramp ships symbolised the best opportunities for Afro-Caribbean and other black seamen. Furthermore, it is noted that after this time the sailing ship was to be consigned to nostalgia, the craft of sailing limited to tourist attractions and small private vessels.